Lighting device monitor and communication apparatus

ABSTRACT

A smart metered light fixture including a light source. The light fixture includes a surge protection device with a monitor that indicates when surge protection fails. The light fixture includes a power supply monitor configured to collect real-time AC current, voltage, and power factor measurements from a power supply. An operational characteristic monitor monitors an operational characteristic of the light source, such as current consumption, wattage, real-time temperature, a brightness level, and/or an efficiency of the light fixture. A communication device positioned between the power supply receives information from the monitors and wirelessly transmits information regarding the monitored operational characteristic and information and/or power supply measurements to a remote user equipment. The communications device may also receive control instructions from the remote user equipment for controlling aspects of the light source.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application for patent is a continuation of application Ser.No. 13/588,926 titled “Lighting Device Monitor and CommunicationApparatus”, filed Aug. 17, 2012, which claims priority to ProvisionalApplication No. 61/525,448 titled “Lighting Device CommunicationApparatus”, filed Aug. 19, 2011, and Provisional Application No.61/542,556, titled “Lighting Device Including Power Supply and SurgeProtection Monitoring”, filed Oct. 3, 2011, the entire contents of eachof which are hereby expressly incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

Aspects relate, in general, to electronic power supplies, andspecifically to lighting fixtures, e.g., luminaires, that utilize lightemitting diodes (LEDs) as a light source and, more particularly, tolighting fixtures incorporating LEDs configured in a manner to amplifyand direct light produced by such lighting fixtures. Aspects furtherinclude smart monitoring and remote control of such lighting fixtures.

2. Background

It is desirable to adjust the amount of light generated by one or morelight sources (e.g., incandescent light bulbs, fluorescent lightfixtures, LEDs, etc.) in various lighting applications (e.g., home,commercial, industrial, etc.). In many cases, this is accomplished via auser-operated device, commonly referred to as a “dimmer,” that adjuststhe power delivered to the light source(s). Many types of conventionaldimmers allow a user to adjust the light output of one or more lightsources via various types of user interface (e.g., by turning a knob,moving a slider, etc.) which is often mounted on a wall in a proximityto an area for which it is desirable to adjust the light level.Accordingly, there is a need for providing a dimmer switching andadjustment mechanism that allows two-way enhanced remote control oflighting fixtures.

It is further desirable to monitor aspects of a power supply used by andto provide surge protection for one or more light sources. LED fixturesas well as most electrical appliances have some form of an electronicpower supply. Although hand held and other test equipment exist, suchequipment is completely external to the electrical appliance and thepower supply. Thus, the test equipment would have to be positioned infront of the equipment on the AC input side. Accordingly, there is aneed for providing more accurate power source measurements.

Surge protection may be provided for a light fixture. However, when suchsurge protection stops functioning, power in most cases (unless due to acatastrophic failure) continues to flow to the light fixture without anyexternal evidence of failure and will no longer provide surge protectionfor the next incident of surge. Accordingly, there is a need for bettersurge protection.

SUMMARY

Aspects described herein overcome the drawbacks of previous systems byproviding a two-way RF to WiFi remote control system for lightingfixtures that is configured to measure and report wattage and voltage ofthe lighting fixture, control the level of brightness/dimness of thelighting fixtures, and provide the ability to mesh a plurality of suchremote systems together.

The system communicates with a plurality of lighting fixtures and caninstruct the lighting system to pass such signals to additional lightingfixtures. The plurality of lighting fixtures may be located at multiplephysical locations apart from each other. The control system may be usedto remotely monitor, communicate, and control the lighting fixtures andother attached or component devices via the Internet.

Aspects further provide a way to more accurately measure and report suchpower measurements by incorporating an AC power measurement device intothe light fixture to make power measurements of the power supply. Thepower measurement device may be incorporated within the structure of thepower supply, or may be provided external to the power supply. Themeasurement device may transmit in real time, the electronic powersupply's current, voltage, and power factor readings, out of theelectronic power supply in a digital format through an optical isolationdevice. This optical isolation device will transmit the information viaa wire to a communication device such that the measurement readings ofpower consumption information can be wirelessly transmitted to a remotedevice.

Aspects may further include a smart surge protection device connected tothe power supply. Aspects may further include remotely monitoring such adevice.

Additional advantages and novel features of these aspects of theapplication will be set forth in part in the description that follows,and in part will become more apparent to those skilled in the art uponexamination of the following or upon learning by practice of theapplication.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 presents an example diagram of a wireless lighting devicecommunication system and apparatus in accordance with aspects of thepresent application;

FIG. 2 presents an example diagram of a light fixture in accordance withaspects of the present application;

FIG. 3 presents an example diagram of a light fixture in accordance withaspects of the present application.

FIG. 4 presents an example of a diagram of a light fixture in accordancewith aspects of the present application.

FIG. 5 presents a flow chart of an example method of operating a lightfixture in accordance with aspects of the present application.

FIG. 6 presents a flow chart of an example method of remote managementof a light fixture in accordance with aspects of the presentapplication.

FIG. 7 presents an example system diagram of various hardware componentsand other features, for use in accordance with aspects of the presentapplication.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of various example system components, inaccordance with aspects of the present application.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1, a schematic system diagram 100 of an example remotecontrol module 102 in communication with a wireless lighting module 118via a network 116 in accordance with aspects of the present application.Remote control module 102 may include a computer circuit integrated witha microcontroller 106 driven RF transceiver module 104 for securelycommunicating with various wireless devices connected with the wirelessnetwork 116. In some examples, network 116 may be contemplated viavarious conventional and/or advanced wireless network techniques. In oneaspect, a wireless mesh network (WMN) may advantageously offer abroadband wireless communication environment for areas where wiredinfrastructure is not available or not worthy to deploy. Due to WMN'sinherent characteristics, such as self-configuring and self-healingcapabilities, the WMN can be easily deployed and maintained. However,those of skill in the art will recognize that the devices and methodsdisclosed in this specification may also be useful for connectingdevices to and configuring devices for any suitable types of wirelessnetworks.

Remote control module 102 is configured to provide two-way RF to WiFicommunication to remotely control and/or program the dimming function ofa plurality of lighting fixtures 124 a-124 n. In some implementations,the processor 106 embedded in the remote control module 102 may includean operational metrics monitor module 108 for monitoring and reportingthe operational metrics and health of the lighting fixtures 124 a-124 nsuch as current electricity consumption with a fail-safe mode ofoperation. Here, the fail-safe mode of operation generally refers tooperation that can ensure a failure of equipment, process, or systemdoes not propagate beyond the immediate environs of the failing entity,as well as a control operation or function that prevents improper systemfunctioning or catastrophic degradation in the event of circuitmalfunction or an operator error. Among others, example operationalmetrics may include a wattage used by each individual or all of thelighting fixtures 124 a-124 n, real-time temperature of the fixtures,the amount of the fixtures' capacity that is currently being used, alevel of brightness of the fixtures, and a level of efficiency of thefixtures. The system 100 may be used to communicate with and program theplurality of lighting fixtures 124 a-124 n, which may be located indifferent physical locations apart from each other. In some examples,the lighting control module 118 may include circuitry having a uniqueand highly efficient DC/DC converter to utilize and control the samevoltage available to and powering each LED in the lighting fixtures 124a-124 n.

As will be explained in details below, present application includes amethod of and system for remote secure control of the dimming functionof a single LED lighting fixture, or multiple fixtures 124 a-124 nsimultaneously as part of an array. Aspect may include a method of andsystem for remote secure monitoring of voltage, current consumption, andtemperature of a single LED lighting fixture, or multiple fixturessimultaneously as part of an array. The method and system may be furtherconfigured with the ability to group a number of fixtures together as anarray in part of a much larger network to control multiple arrays offixtures at different dimming levels. Aspects may also include theprovision of a fail-safe operation of the LED lighting fixtures 124a-124 n in the event of an over temperature condition.

In some examples, the system 100 may include a computer board (notshown) configured to control the output intensity of the fixture toprevent a thermal runaway condition. Disclosed system/method herein mayfurther include a fail-safe operation of the LED fixtures 124 a-124 n inthe event of loss of RF network signal. For example, the computer boardmay be configured to maintain its existing state in the event of a lossof RF communication. Aspects may further include a fail-safe operationof a particular or multiple LED fixtures in the event of loss ofcomputer board DC/DC power. For example, the computer board may beconfigured to enable the fixture intensity to 100% in the event of acomputer board DC/DC failure. Aspects may further include the recoveryof normal operation after a power failure event without userintervention.

As discussed above, lighting fixture control devices available on themarket are designed to work on the AC side of High-Intensity DischargeLamp (HID), High Pressure Sodium (HPS), fluorescent and LED fixtures.The system 100 described herein can be designed to work on the DC side(light output side) thereby protecting it from transient surge andspikes and other power line issues. Among others, benefits may includebeing able to run the system 100 on very minimal voltage and also beingable to make it work with harvested radio frequency voltage.

Such a system 100 can be configured to be applied in multiplesituations. For example, aspects of the controller may be designed foruse in offices and in parking garage applications for daylight energyharvesting. In some embodiments, the power source may employ any and allforms of energy harvesting. Energy harvest may, without limitation,include capturing radiofrequency energy, converting kinetic energy toelectrical energy (including converting motion or tension intoelectrical energy), converting thermal energy into electrical energy,converting wind energy into electrical energy, and so on. In someexamples, energy harvesting may include collecting light from otherlight sources and converting that light into electrical energy. It willbe understood that a variety of systems and methods that harvest energyare possible. In some other examples, the power source may becontemplated through wireless power transmission where a method ofwireless power transmission may act as the power source or incombination with the other power sources (e.g., rechargeable batteries,capacitors, and the like) to provide power to relevant on-board modules.Power sources that can be used stand alone (i.e., not connected to atraditional AC power source) may be defined as wireless power. In oneaspect, a wireless power source may allow the installation of thelighting control module 118 in any indoor or outdoor location wherelight may be desired without the need for a wired connection to an ACpower source. Additionally, aspects of the computer controlled versioncan be configured for use in other indoor and outdoor lighting systems.

In one aspect, the remote control module 102 can be accessed andcontrolled via the Internet on a user device 114. For example, theremote control module 102 may be configured to be controlled by Smartphone technology, as there currently exist a variety of wirelessdevices, including mobile phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs),laptops, and paging devices that are small, lightweight, and easilycarried by users. These devices may include the ability to transmitvoice and/or data over wireless networks. Some of these wireless devicesmay utilize application programming interfaces (APIs) that are sometimesreferred to as runtime environments and software platforms. The APIs canbe installed onto a wireless device to simplify the operation andprogramming of such wireless devices by providing generalized calls fordevice resources. Further, some APIs can provide software developers theability to create software applications that are executable on suchwireless devices. In addition, APIs can provide an interface between awireless device and the software applications. As such, the wirelessdevice functionality can be made available to the software applicationsby allowing the software to make a generic call for a function withoutrequiring a developer to tailor its source code to the individualhardware or device on which the software is executing. Further, someAPIs can provide mechanisms for secure communications between wirelessdevices, such as client devices and server systems, using securecryptographic key information.

In some other implementations, the remote control module 102 may beconfigured with its own hand held remote control device 114. When addingsuch a device 114 to home, office buildings and automotive electroniccomponents, the device 114 can be configured to feed back all necessarydata to be able to give real time monitoring control and to furthermanage light fixtures 124 a-124 n in a way to increase their energyefficiency.

In one example, as shown in FIG. 1, the remote control module 102 mayinclude a user command controller 110 for obtaining and processing usercommands to communicate with a plurality of wireless lighting modules invarious formats. A user may enter a command through keyboards, mice,trackballs and joysticks. These input devices are used to controlcursors, mouse pointers etc. in order to manipulate, e.g., buttons,switches, dials, knobs that are displayed graphically on a displayscreen of the user device 114 for controlling the remote lightingfixtures 124 a-124 n. In some examples, lighting fixtures 124 a-124 nmay be associated with dedicated channels such that the user can selecta channel number via the remote control module 102 by referring tospecific channel numbers. In other examples, the channel number assignedfor the remote lighting fixtures 124 a-124 n may be preprogrammed,randomly generated, or previously stored in a memory 112. Examplecommands may include an “on/off” toggle command, an “on” command, an“off” command, a “dim” command, a “brightness” command, a “color change”command, or a timer command.

The user command controller 110 may also provide the user with a voicecommand input means by using, e.g., a voice recognition module whichreceives a voice command from the user. The voice command is thenidentified as a specific command or a fuzzy command using a fuzzy logicalgorithm. If the voice command is a specific command, one of theoperations corresponding to the voice command is adjusted. If the voicecommand is a fuzzy command, a plurality of the operations correspondingto the voice command is adjusted. Further, if the adjusted operations donot meet the user's expectation, the user can further modify theoperations using an adjustment modification process. A process ofmodifying the operations can be performed by, e.g., another voicecommand. Since a specific command means a specific operating action,this operating action can adjust a specific category of the remotelighting fixtures 124 a-124 n. The specific category can be stored in,for example, the voice recognition module or the memory 112, dependingon design requirements. If this specific command, for example, is“decrease brightness”, then this specific command can directly adjustthe brightness of the remote lighting fixtures 124 a-124 n. On the otherhand, a fuzzy command may involve adjusting the lighting fixturesthrough a plurality of operations. The operations can be stored in thevoice recognition module or the memory 112, or even an independentcommand database, depending on the design requirements. Accordingly, aseries of operations can be issued to adjust the remote lightingfixtures 124 a-124 n in a plurality of steps.

After the user inputs a command through the command input 530, processor106 may encode the command and subsequently instruct the RF transceiver104 to transmit an RF signal that includes the encoded command. In oneexample, the RF transceiver 104 transmits RF signals at a predeterminedfrequency, or a user selected-frequency. The RF signal may betransmitted once, or for a predetermined number of times, or for apredetermined time period. If more than one RF signal is transmitted,each transmission may be separated by a predetermined time interval.

The lighting control module 118 can include an RF transceiver 120 thatmonitors for RF signals at a predetermined frequency. For example, theRF transceiver 120 periodically monitors for RF signals, or continuouslymonitors for RF signals from network 116. When an RF signal is received,the signal is transmitted to LED controller 122, where the signal isdecoded. In one aspect, the LED controller 122 may obtain and compare adecoded channel number that is included in the command to a specific LEDchannel number. For example, if the command is an on/off toggle command,the lighting control module 118 may instruct the LED controller 122 totoggle a plurality of LEDs 124 a-124 n. If the command is an “on”command, the LED controller 122 may first determine if the plurality ofLEDs 124 a-124 n are in an “on” state. If the LEDs 124 a-124 n are notin an “on” state, the LED controller 122 can activate the plurality ofLEDs 124 a-124 n.

As shown in FIG. 1, the RF transceivers 104 and 120 allow two-waycommunication. In some implementation, the remote control module 102 maybe programmed to repeatedly transmit a command signal until aconfirmation signal is received. Additionally, the lighting controlmodule 118 may be programmed to transmit a confirmation signal uponreceipt of an RF signal, or upon successfully decoding a command. Inanother example, the RF transceivers 104 and 118 can provide the remotecontrol module 102 with feedback relating to a state associated with thelighting control module 118 (e.g., whether the LEDs 124 a-124 n are inan “on” state, an “off” state, an intensity of the LEDs 124 a-124 n, andthe life of certain relevant components). Moreover, RF transceivers 104and 118 can allow the lighting control module 118 to communicate withother disparate wireless lighting control module(s) (e.g., to propagateor repeat signals).

The lighting control module 118 in FIG. 1 may comprise a PCB assemblythat is configured to adjust voltage to a control pin of a LED constantcurrent type power supply based on dimming commands from the RFtransceiver 104 and 120 and relevant software programmed to meetspecific requirements. Multiple such constant current LED supplies canbe controlled and monitored from this one PCB assembly. For example, atleast two such constant current LED supplies can be controlled andmonitored from a single assembly, one controlling resistor dividers toset the current for one supply, while Q7, Q8, Q9, Q10 control the other.

In some aspects, an on-board DC/DC converter can be included to use samevoltage as given to the LED 124 a-124 n.

Current monitoring (LED power consumption) can be achieved through U2,and U3. Such a component can be supplied for each of the power suppliesbeing monitored, as these components sense LED current through a sensingresistor Rsense R1/Rsense R2. The current signal can be amplified byU2/U3 and is ultimately driven as a voltage into pins of a RF enginewhich will described fully below. Additionally, the PCB assembly mayinclude resistor dividers (R9/R13 and R36/R37) to sense the voltages ofthe LED rails and drive those values into the RF engine where certaincomputing can be performed to calculate the actual power consumed by theLEDs 124 a-124 n. In some examples, current monitoring (U2, U3) for twoseparate power supplies/LED banks may be provided. Since no LED driverboard is present for this design, the dimming of the LED 124 a-124 n maybe contemplated by hardware switching of 4 hardware “steps” to realize 5dimming levels (Q1, 2, 4, 6 and Q7, 8, 9, 10) of the LED 124 a-124 n.

Elements J3 and J4 may be used as a unit for enabling the wirelesscommunication of the lighting control module 118. In one aspect, an RFengine, such as a Synapse™ RF engine, can be plugged into elementsJ3/J4. An RF engine may include the hardware to communicate via RF,along with a microcontroller that drives all the signals to activelyread the health and control the dimming of associated LEDs. For example,it may be beneficial for the RF module to run from a voltage similar tothat used to drive the lighting fixtures LEDs 124 a-124 n. A Synapse™module, for example, runs from 3.3V DC. The 3.3V DC may be generatedfrom the same voltage that is used to drive the LEDs 124 a-124 n. TheDC/DC converter control IC (U1) along with its supporting R's and C'ssteps the LED rail voltage down to the level required by the Synapse™module. This DC/DC converter can be used in various applications as theLED rail voltage needed to run this converter can be between 12-75V DC.

In some implementations, lights can be quickly configured to differentchannels to group lights together for specific location dimming controlabilities. Jumpers JP2/JP3 may set the address to which location theLEDs will be located. In other words, jumpers JP2/JP3 may be used to setaddresses to allow groups of lighting fixtures to be established bylocation. Moreover, JP1 may be utilized to initiate a hardware test modefor manufacturing/debug purposes. For example, the test mode jumper JP1can be used to perform manufacturing testing of the dimming modes andcommunication abilities. Jumpers may also set the unit in test mode andwill cycle through all the dimming steps along with broadcasting currentand voltage data back to any RF engine on the network set to receivethese signals.

Fail-safe thermal protection may be achieved through multiple methods,one being a thermal sensor which may be external to the PCB assembly.This sensor along with the software programmed into RF engine will senseand determine a level which LED dimming will occur due to an overtemperature condition. In the event that the DC/DC converter fails andno RF engine function can occur, an additional thermal switch willmanually (through hardware control) drive the dimming function to apre-determined level to reduce the heat generated by the LEDs when thelower temperature is satisfied by the thermal switch such that normaloperation can resume.

A dimming function may also be configured with a fail-safe because allsignals to control dimming are actively driven from the RF engine. Inthe event that the RF engine experiences a failure, or the DC/DCconverter fails (shutting off the RF engine) the light will assume fullbrightness. Full brightness is the default state unless actively drivento a lower dimming state by the RF engine or hardware thermal control.

Further, temperature monitoring via a thermal switch (connected to J6)in the event of some hardware or software failure, absolute maximumtemperature of the LED 124 a-124 n may be controlled directly throughhardware.

Additionally, temperature monitoring may be employed by a sensor forproviding relevant information to the lighting control module 118 suchthat the dimming levels can be controlled through software, hardware orcombination thereof.

Although the example is described in connection with a Synapse™ RFengine, it is understood that any number of RF chips can becontemplated.

A dimmer device may comprise a five step dimmer schematic of the PCBassembly describe above. These dimming steps may be commanded by amaster control RF engine on a network, or locally from thermal controlhardware. The schematic shows the lighting control module 118 mayinclude an RF engine connector, DC/DC circuitry, I Monitor circuitry,and four elements. The lighting control module 118 may further includeconnections between the illustrated components. Thus, aspects includeusing a programmable chip placed on the lighting control module 118 andits associated circuitry which is installed on the DC side of the powersupply in the LED lighting fixtures 124 a-12 n. The programmable chipmay be, for example, a Synapse™ chip.

The lighting control module 118 in FIG. 1 may include an on-board DC/DCconverter (U1) that can be included to use same voltage as supplied tothe LED 124 a-124 n. Current monitoring U2 can be employed for one powersupply/LED bank. Since this design may be used to work in conjunctionwith an LED driver board (not shown), pulse-width modulation (PWM)dimming may be realized. Compared with DC dimming, PWM dimming hasadvantages of a constant lighting color, and good stability at lowbrightness. In one example, Q1 and its surrounding passive componentsmay translate the PWM signal to be compatible with the existing driverboard. A much larger number of dimming “steps” can be obtained byadjusting the dimming signal from, e.g., the Synapse™ module. In someimplementations, temperature monitoring may not be included on thisboard. Temperature monitoring via thermal switch may similarly not beincluded on this board. In one aspect, Synapse™ wirelesscommunication/control module may be plugged into J1 as a unit. JumpersADR0, ADR1 may be used to set address to allow groups of lights to beestablished by location. A TEST jumper may be utilized as a hardwareinitiated test mode to aid in manufacturing/debug process.

A PCB assembly with PWM dimming capabilities may include an RF engineconnector, DC/DC converter circuitry, I Monitor circuitry, and a PWMcircuitry.

It may be desirable to include such PWM components so that the LEDlighting fixtures 124 a-124 n can be serviced with only one PCB byallowing temperature monitoring/control in additional to the PWM dimmingcapabilities.

FIG. 2 illustrates a lighting fixture system diagram that illustrates alight fixture 200 include various device provided internal to the lightfixture and integrated therewith. The light fixture includes acommunication device 10 configured to control a lighting fixture, togather data regarding the lighting fixture, and to report the data. Thecommunication device may gather such information, report, and performcontrol using a two-way RF to WiFi system. The data may be communicatedwirelessly. For example, the communication may occur via a 2-way RF toWiFi connection 70. The communication device can be located on the DCside of a power supply 20, as this side will be protected from surges inthe AC current or voltage. Controlled DC power is provided to a solidstate light source 90, e.g., LEDs 11, via connection 40. Thecommunication device may collect and report information gathered throughthe circuitry of the communication device itself or the information maybe gathered via a probe attached between the communication device andthe lighting fixture. Such information may include data, measurementinformation regarding the light source itself, and may further includeaudio, video, or other information from additional components providedat the light source. For example, an audio and/or video device may beprovided at the light fixture. The communication device 10 may bepositioned between a power supply 20 and the LED circuit strips 11 ofthe lighting fixture. For example, the lighting control module 118 maybe the communication device 10 in FIG. 2.

FIG. 2 illustrates a power supply device 20 positioned between thecommunication device 10 and a surge protection device 30. The surgeprotection device 30 is positioned between the AC power source 80 andthe power supply 20. The power supply device 20 receives AC power 60 andoutputs DC power 50 for use by the lighting fixture. The light fixturemay include a power monitor, such as a digital chip that is configuredto collect real time AC current, voltage, and power factor informationfrom the power supply. The power monitor may be provided inside thepower supply and may transfer such information through an opticalIsolation Device via wire to a communication device. Alternately, thepower monitor may be provided within the light fixture, external to thepower supply. Optical isolation devices may be provided within the powersupply and the surge protection device that can be connected, e.g. via awire, to a 2-way RF to WiFi communication device. For example, theconnection may be to the communication device 10. This enables the powersupply to be a smart metered device that is capable of reporting itsactual power consumption and to monitor its ongoing efficiency. It alsoenables the surge protection device to become a smart device, as well asto monitor and report its ongoing protection or the failure or suchprotection, in which case it can be replaced. This should enable thesurge protection device to be, ideally, replaced before another surgehits the light fixture.

This overcomes previous inaccuracies in power usage measurement. Forexample, if only the DC power usage is measured, the system may actuallybe consuming a higher amount of AC power due to inefficiencies in thepower supply. Such inefficiencies may occur due to damage, age, etc. Bymeasuring the AC power consumption at the power supply a very accuratereport on the ongoing health of the power supply can be provided. Forexample, a monitoring chip may be positioned to perform measurements atthe point where the power supply receives the AC power 60.

The system may further include a surge protection device 30 connectedbetween the power supply device 20 and a source of AC power. The surgeprotection device provides a connection for the AC power source to thepower supply device.

The surge protection device 30 provides surge protection along withremote monitoring. The surge protection device includes a surgeprotection component having connections between the AC power source andone or multiple power supply devices 20. Until a single or multiplepower surge(s) occur that disable a surge protection component, AC poweris supplied on a protected line. The protected connection includes asurge protection component. FIG. 3 illustrates a surge protectioncomponent within the surge protection device 30. The surge protectioncomponent 32 may include, for example, an integrated fuse. The surgeprotection component can be configured to withstand multiple 10 KVsurges. Once one or a sufficient number of multiple power surge(s) occurthe surge protection aspect of the surge protection component isdisabled, the integrated fuse will also be disabled and will cease toallow current to flow to an internal optical isolation device 31.

At this time, the current that would go through the surge protectioncomponent 32 to the optical isolation device 31 stops. The surgeprotection device 30 does not provide surge protection, but allows acontinued supply of power to the power supply device 20 so that thelighting fixture continues to operate.

Thus, the optical isolation device 31 within the surge protection deviceserves as a monitor that provides a signal indicating that the protectedconnection is operating correctly. For example, the surge protectiondevice 30 may be monitored by the communication device 10. The monitorwithin the surge protection device 30 may send a simple yes or no signal(1 or 0) to the communication device, which is interpreted to mean thatthe surge protection component within the surge protection device isworking or not. As another example, the signal to the communicationdevice may comprise a 0-1023 varying digital representation of thehealth of a plurality of surge devices located in the light fixture. Azero signal indicates that the surge protection devices are functioning,and as the signal approaches 1023, it indicates that the surgeprotection devices have each failed.

When the surge protection and integrated fuse are disconnected/disabled,the signal ceases. The surge protection and integrated fuse areconfigured to fail simultaneously. This indicates that the surgeprotected connection has failed so that a user will be notified toreplace the surge protection device. The signal may be transmitted viaan internal optical isolation device that can be connected by a wire toa 2-way RF to WiFi communication device, e.g. communication device 10.

The surge protection device may have a modular, pluggable configurationfor easy replacement if the surge protection device fails. As anexample, if the surge protection component 32 fails, the entire surgeprotection device can be replaced. As another example, the surgeprotection device can be configured such that it can be replaced bycutting the AC connections to a failed surge board and recrimping newconnections to a new surge board. The surge protection device describedherein (i) remotely monitors the health of these individual surgecomponents in each lighting fixture or other electronic equipment, and(ii) makes possible the method of easily changing the surge protectiondevice in the field. The information signal goes to the communicationdevice 10 over a wire coming from an Optical Isolation Device internalto the surge Protection Device 30 which can then be transmitted over thecommunication device's 2 way RF to WiFi capabilities.

FIG. 4 illustrates an alternate diagram of a light fixture 400 includinga surge protection device 402, a power monitor, e.g., power consumptionmonitoring circuit (PCM) 404, a power supply 406, a communicationsdevice 408, a driver 410, and a solid state light source 412.Communications device 408 may comprise a photocell sensor, as describedherein. FIG. 4 illustrates that the surge protection device 402 receivesand outputs AC power. The PCM 404 monitors the AC power received fromthe surge protection device 402. Then, the PCM 404 passes the AC powerto the power supply 406. On the side of the power supply 406 oppositethe PCM 404, DC power is output. The communications device 408 isprovided between the power supply and the light source 412, and a drivermay be provided between the communications device and the light source.The light source 412 is driven using DC power output from either thedriver 410 or the communications device 408. The communications deviceis connected via an optical isolation connection to the surge protectiondevice 402 and the PCM 404. The communications device transmitscollected information to a remote management device via a 2-Way RF toWiFi communication link. Likewise, the communications device may alsoreceive information, such as control instructions for controlling thelight source.

The components illustrated in FIG. 4 are provided within light source400 and are integrated therewith.

Aspects described herein may be applied to a lighting fixture, includingthe remote monitoring of the health of each of the MOV (metal oxidevaristor) devices in an LED fixture remotely through a computer board.This number may include four MOV devices within an LED fixture.

By providing an ongoing connection between the AC power source and thepower supply even after a disabling power surge has occurred, thelighting fixture will continue to operate as needed. The modular designof the replaceable surge protection device and the immediate reportingof it to Field maintenance personnel over the communication deviceenables quick field changing of defective devices in the field to allowfor continued operation and to prevent further damage.

However, until a user is able to replace the surge protection device 30,the power supply is vulnerable to power surges. A power surge may reducethe efficiency at which the power supply operates. Therefore, it isbeneficial to monitor the ongoing efficiency of the power supply inorder to ensure that the overall system is operating efficiently.

By using a combination of the monitor within the power supply 20 and themonitor within the surge protection device 30, a user is informed ofproblems due to power surges without discontinuing operation of thelighting fixture. Optical isolation connections provide informationmonitored at the AC side of the system, e.g. at the AC side of the powersupply 20 and at the surge protection device 30, to the communicationdevice 10 positioned on the DC side of the system so that no directconnection between the AC and DC side is provided other than the powersupply 20.

Aspects of the power supply 20 and surge protection devices can beapplied to other systems. For example, the monitoring chip could bepositioned to monitor the ballast of a fluorescent light. Suchcomponents could be used with other electronic equipment in order toinform a user when problems occur in the surge protector or power supplywhile providing ongoing use of the device.

Aspects described herein provide a method of incorporating AC mainsmeasurement technology directly into AC/DC power supplies.

A method is provided to optically connect combined data from ameasurement device to a computer board digitally in order to make use ofthe data after the isolation barrier of the power supply. Thistransforms passive power supplies into smart metered devices to enablepower consumption data to be monitored and controlled in any appliancethat makes use of an AC to DC power supply. This can be especiallyhelpful in municipal light fixtures, such as street lights. A utilitycompany typically charges a municipality based on an estimated powerusage for such street lights. For example, the utility company mayestimate the power used based on the known wattage of the light and acalculated amount of dark hours during which the lights would be used.The above described communication device enables a municipality tocontrol the amount of power used by such lighting fixtures. For example,this enables a municipality to dim certain lights during specifiednighttime hours to conserve energy consumption and reduce operatingcosts. By incorporating smart metering into the light fixture, themunicipality can accurately report, and therefore be charged for, theactual amount of power used.

Smart monitoring in a replaceable surge protection device allows themunicipality to know when surge protection devices need to be replaced.Smart metering in the power supply would also inform the municipality ofany possible damage to the power supply.

Aspects described herein enable smart power metering into AC appliancesthrough a combination of a power supply and AC line measurement chipsand circuitry. Measurement data can be coupled to the safe low voltageside of the supply, isolating high potential AC from the user. Powersupply data can be transmitted through a wireless computer board tomonitor consumption data at a remote monitoring device/station.

Additionally, a photocell may be included in the light fixture. Forexample, the photocell may be used to determine the lighting conditionsof the environment surrounding the light fixture so that a determinationcan be made when to turn on the light source. The photocell may be tunedto the visible light spectrum. For example, the photocell may determinewhen the environment is dark enough that the light source should beturned on. The light fixture may be programmed to use the photocell todetermine when to turn the light source ON and OFF. For example, thelight fixture may be programmed to turn the light source ON at athreshold light level detected by the photocell. Among others, thethreshold light level may correspond to sundown, dusk, and after itbecomes dark.

Rather than detecting sunlight directly, the photocell may be configuredsuch that it senses light passed through from outside the light fixture.For example, a light transmitting component such as an acrylic tube or aglass tube may be used to pass light from the outside of the fixture tothe photocell. The tube may be a replaceable. The light transmissiontube may protrude from the light fixture, e.g., approximately ½ inchfrom the light fixture. A light transmission tube provides additionalsurface area to receive sample light, which increases the sensitivity ofthe photocell. Additionally, the configuration using a lighttransmission tube prevents direct sunlight from reaching the sensor.This leads to a longer photocell life. Alternately, a lens can be usedfor the programmable photocell.

The photocell can be an integrated part of an ALLink control system,e.g., communications device 10, 408, that operates from low voltage,e.g., 3.3 Volts. By providing the photocell on the lower voltage, DCside of the light fixture, the photocell is not affected by AC linesurges.

The photocell may act similar to a photo activated transistor. Forexample, a small change in photons (light) bombarding the base (of theinternal structure) of the photocell can cause a larger current to flowbetween a collector and an emitter of the photocell. As a result, theamplified version provides more range of digital bits to work with for agiven small change in light.

The photocell is fully programmable. The photocell can be reprogrammedthrough wireless remote control. For example, the photocell may also becontrolled via the remote control device that manages the lightfixture's operation. The thresholds in which this transistor willactivate/ deactivate the light can be reprogrammed. Software control canadjust the thresholds of the ON/OFF operating points of the sensor inorder to compensate for variations in the acrylic light tube that passesoutside light in to the sensor. The adjustments to the activationthreshold for the light fixture can be made manually by user definition,or by automatic software adjustments based on other light fixtures inthe vicinity that make up a “network” of light fixture. For example, if9 out of 10 lights on a street are reporting that it is time to turn thefixture off based on a reading from their respective photocells, and thetenth light is not providing the same reading, the control software canadjust the on/off thresholds of the tenth light in order to have itsreading match the other nearby lights. In the event that the sensorbecomes out of range, or un-responsive, the network can completelyoverride the photo sensor input. In contrast to existing photoeyedesign, immediate replacement of the photocell is not necessary in orderto maintain properly functioning lights.

Additionally, the component that passes light to the sensor, e.g., theacrylic tube, may also be a field replaceable item in the event itbecomes too dirty or damaged to pass enough light for the photocell toprovide an accurate measurement. The acrylic tube can be replacedwithout touching the photocell sensor.

FIG. 5 illustrates aspects of an example method 500 of operating a lightfixture in accordance with the present application. At step 502, atleast one operational characteristic of a light source is monitored,e.g., via monitor that is both internal to an integrated with the lightfixture. At step 504, information regarding the operationalcharacteristic is transmitted from the light fixture to a remotemanagement device. This information may be transmitted, e.g., viacommunications device 408 in FIG. 4, and may be sent via a 2-Way RF toWiFi communications link.

Optional aspects in FIG. 5 are illustrated using a dashed line. Themethod may further include receiving control instructions from theremote management device for controlling the light fixture. For example,the instructions may instruct the light fixture to dim the light source,to adjust a photocell sensor, and any of the other control instructionsdescribed herein. This information may be received by the communicationsdevice. Once instructions are received, the light fixture responds byimplementing the instructions. These instructions may be implemented viathe communications device or via a driver positioned between thecommunications device and the light source.

At step 508 a failure may be detected in surge protection at the lightfixture. This detection may occur when the communications devicereceives an indication from a surge protection device via an opticalisolation connection therebetween. Once a failure is detected, thecommunications device transmits a report of the failure to the remotemanagement device.

At step 510, the communications device receives power measurements froma monitoring device on the AC side of the power supply. This measurementinformation may be received via an optical isolation connection. Thecommunications device may also transmit this measurement information tothe remote management device.

At step 512, the communications device receives reconfigurationparameters for a photocell sensor. The photocell sensor may be providedon the same circuit board as the communications device. Thereafter, thecommunications device adjusts the photocell sensor's parametersaccordingly.

FIG. 6 illustrates a flow chart of a method 600 of controlling a lightfixture using a remote management device. At step 602, operationalcharacteristics are received from a light fixture. This may occur, e.g.,via a 2-Way RF to WiFi communications link. At step 604, controlinstructions are transmitted from the remote management device to thelight fixture. Among others, such instructions may control a dimmingfeature as in step 606, and a photocell as in step 610 of the lightfixture.

At step 608, the remote management device receives an indication that asurge protection feature at the light fixture has failed. The lightfixture may continue to operate without surge protection, and thisreport to the remote management device enables the user to schedule areplacement of a surge protection component while the light fixturecontinues to operate.

At step 612, the remote management device may be configured tocommunicate with and control a plurality of light fixtures. The lightfixtures may be controlled individually or as groups of light fixtures.

Aspects of the present application may be implemented using hardware,software, or a combination thereof and may be implemented in one or morecomputer systems or other processing systems. In one example, theapplication is directed toward one or more computer systems capable ofcarrying out the functionality described herein. An example of such acomputer system 700 is shown in FIG. 7.

Computer system 700 includes one or more processors, such as processor704. The processor 704 is connected to a communication infrastructure706 (e.g., a communications bus, cross-over bar, or network). Varioussoftware embodiments are described in terms of this example computersystem. As used in this application, the terms “component,” “module,”“system” and the like are intended to include a computer-related entity,such as but not limited to hardware, firmware, a combination of hardwareand software, software, or software in execution. For example, acomponent may be, but is not limited to being, a process running on aprocessor, a processor, an object, an executable, a thread of execution,a program, and/or a computer. By way of illustration, both anapplication running on a computing device and the computing device canbe a component. One or more components can reside within a processand/or thread of execution and a component may be localized on onecomputer and/or distributed between two or more computers. In addition,these components can execute from various computer readable media havingvarious data structures stored thereon. The components may communicateby way of local and/or remote processes such as in accordance with asignal having one or more data packets, such as data from one componentinteracting with another component in a local system, distributedsystem, and/or across a network such as the Internet with other systemsby way of the signal. After reading this description, it will becomeapparent to a person skilled in the relevant art(s) how to implement theapplication using other computer systems and/or architectures.

In one aspect, computer system 700 can include a display interface 702that forwards graphics, text, and other data from the communicationinfrastructure 706 (or from a frame buffer not shown) for display on adisplay unit 730. Computer system 700 also includes a main memory 708,preferably random access memory (RAM), and may also include a secondarymemory 710. The secondary memory 710 may include, for example, a harddisk drive 712 and/or a removable storage drive 714, representing afloppy disk drive, a magnetic tape drive, an optical disk drive, etc.The removable storage drive 714 reads from and/or writes to a removablestorage unit 718 in a well-known manner. Removable storage unit 718,represents a floppy disk, magnetic tape, optical disk, etc., which isread by and written to removable storage drive 714. As will beappreciated, the removable storage unit 718 includes a computer usablestorage medium having stored therein computer software and/or data.

In alternative examples, secondary memory 710 may include other similardevices for allowing computer programs or other instructions to beloaded into computer system 700. Such devices may include, for example,a removable storage unit 722 and an interface 720. Examples of such mayinclude a program cartridge and cartridge interface (such as that foundin video game devices), a removable memory chip (such as an erasableprogrammable read only memory (EPROM), or programmable read only memory(PROM)) and associated socket, and other removable storage units 722 andinterfaces 720, which allow software and data to be transferred from theremovable storage unit 722 to computer system 700.

Computer system 700 may also include a communications interface 724.Communications interface 724 allows software and data to be transferredbetween computer system 700 and external devices. Examples ofcommunications interface 724 may include a modem, a network interface(such as an Ethernet card), a communications port, a Personal ComputerMemory Card International Association (PCMCIA) slot and card, etc.Software and data transferred via communications interface 724 are inthe form of signals 728, which may be electronic, electromagnetic,optical or other signals capable of being received by communicationsinterface 724. These signals 728 are provided to communicationsinterface 724 via a communications path (e.g., channel) 726. This path726 carries signals 728 and may be implemented using wire or cable,fiber optics, a telephone line, a cellular link, a radio frequency (RF)link and/or other communications channels. In this document, the terms“computer program medium” and “computer usable medium” are used to refergenerally to media such as a removable storage drive, a hard diskinstalled in hard disk drive 712, and signals 728. These computerprogram products provide software to the computer system 700. Theapplication is directed to such computer program products.

Computer programs (also referred to as computer control logic) arestored in main memory 708 and/or secondary memory 710. Computer programsmay also be received via communications interface 724. Such computerprograms, when executed, enable the computer system 700 to perform thefeatures of the present application, as discussed herein. In particular,the computer programs, when executed, enable the processor 704 toperform the features of the present application. Accordingly, suchcomputer programs represent controllers of the computer system 700.

In an example where the application can be implemented using software,the software may be stored in a computer program product and loaded intocomputer system 700 using removable storage drive 714, hard drive 712,or communications interface 724. The control logic (software), whenexecuted by the processor 704, causes the processor 704 to perform thefunctions of the application as described herein. In another example,the application may be implemented primarily in hardware using, forexample, hardware components, such as application specific integratedcircuits (ASICs). Implementation of the hardware state machine so as toperform the functions described herein will be apparent to personsskilled in the relevant art(s).

In yet another illustration, the application may be implemented using acombination of both hardware and software.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of various example system components, inaccordance with aspects of the present application. FIG. 8 shows acommunication system 800 usable in accordance with aspects of thepresent application. The communication system 800 can include one ormore accessors 860, 862 (also referred to interchangeably herein as oneor more “users”) and one or more terminals 842, 866. In one example,data for use in accordance with the present application is, for example,input and/or accessed by accessors 860, 862 via terminals 842, 766, suchas personal computers (PCs), minicomputers, mainframe computers,microcomputers, telephonic devices, or wireless devices, such aspersonal digital assistants (“PDAs”) or a hand-held wireless devicescoupled to a server 843, such as a PC, minicomputer, mainframe computer,microcomputer, or other device having a processor and a repository fordata and/or connection to a repository for data, via, for example, anetwork 844, such as the Internet or an intranet, and couplings 845,846, 864. The couplings 845, 846, 864 include, for example, wired,wireless, or fiber-optic links. In another example, the method andsystem of the present application operate in a stand-alone environment,such as on a single terminal (not shown here).

While aspects of this application have been described in conjunctionwith the examples outlined above, various alternatives, modifications,variations, improvements, and/or substantial equivalents, whether knownor that are or may be presently unforeseen, may become apparent to thosehaving at least ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, the examples, asset forth above, are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Variouschanges may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of theapplication. Therefore, the application is intended to embrace all knownor later-developed alternatives, modifications, variations,improvements, and/or substantial equivalents.

What is claim is:
 1. A light fixture monitoring and communicationdevice, the device comprising: a monitor for monitoring an operationalcharacteristic of a light source comprised in the light fixture; acommunication component positioned in the light fixture between thepower supply device and the light source, the communication componentincluding: a wireless transmitter configured to wirelessly transmitinformation regarding the monitored operational characteristic to aremote management device.